Evaluation of the GeoGauge on NM 44

Lary R. Lenke & R. Gordon McKeen

ATR Institute, University of New Mexico

Al Palmer
Koch Materials

November 2000

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 Koch Materials
Koch Pavement Solutions
Technical support for initial pavement analysis
Selection of treatments for pavements
Materials selection, application technology, and job-site support
Development of new paving system technologies for improved quality
Partner with quality contractors
lower life cycle costs
preserving pavements
building longer lasting roads
Koch Performance Roads
20 year warranty on NM 44 (U.S. 550)
~ 121 miles between Bernalillo & Bloomfield, NM
Design
Material Selection
2 Year Construction Period (27 years for Normal Contracts)
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 Objectives of Field Evaluation
Evaluate GeoGauge as a tool for verification of Lime Stabilization Curing
Processes:
Stiffness Increase vs. Time (and assumed strength gain as well)
Rate of Stiffness Gain

Evaluate Potential for GeoGauge as Q.C. Tool for Compaction

Evaluate Uniformity of Stabilized Materials

For Comparison Purposes with Assumed Design Values

Potential for Assuring Stabilized Subgrade Performance

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Sta. 4815 Unstabilized Sandy Clay (NM 44)

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Sta. 5045 Lime Stabilized Sandy Clay (1 day cure)

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Sta. 5050 Lime Stabilized Sandy Clay (2 week cure)

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 Stiffne ss Test Results
Lime Stabilized Sandy Clay - NM State Highway 44 (U.S. 550)

Stiffne ss (MN/m)
Location (Sta.) Age (day) M ean Std. Dev. COV (%) Dry Density (pcf)

4815* 0 11.9 1.7 14.1 102.3

5045 1 13.4 2.5 18.3 101.5

5045 2 15.5 2.6 16.9 101.5

5050 14 22.6 3.1 13.5 101.0

*Unstabilized

21 Points each Station on a 10 ft by 30 ft grid

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 25
y = 4.091Ln(x) + 11.248
2
R = 0.985
20
2 week cure
Stiffness, MN/m

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2 day cure
10
1 day cure
GeoGauge Stiffness
5 Lime Stabilized Sandy Clay
Unstabilized
NM State Highway 44 (U.S. 550)
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Day
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 CONCLUSIONS
GeoGauge COV = 15.7% Average for 4 Test Sections
Increased Stiffness Over Time for Stabilized Materials
Suggests Increase Probably Predictable
Field Test Sections
Laboratory Test Results
Density Not Useful for Predicting Stiffness/Strength
Increase

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

Koch Materials
Implementation for Stabilized Materials
Laboratory Procedure
Field Procedure
Specification
Minimize Construction and Curing Time
Optimize Subgrade Quality and Construction Cost

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

NMSHTD
ATRI Recommends Implementation for Subgrade,
Base Course, and Stabilized Materials
Laboratory Procedures
Field Procedures
Relation Between Lab/Field Data & Structural Design Values
Specification Development
Field Trials
Education & Training for NMSHTD Personnel, Contractors,
QC/QA Testing Agencies

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Research Bureau New Mexico State
Highway & Transportation Department

Mesa PDC, Koch Subsidiary (Prime

Contractor on NM 44)

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